o connor



Aug. 30, 1927.

1,640,421 J. F. OCCNNOR FRICTION SHOCK ABSORBING vMECHANISNI Filed Nov. 27, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 jme/1,222

J. F. OCONNOR Aug. 30, 1927.

FRICTION SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM Patented Aug. 30, 1927.

UITED STATES Y 1,640,421 PATENT cerros.

TOI-IN F. OCONNOR, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO W. II. MINER, INC., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

FRICTION SHOCK-ABSORBING MECHANISM. l

Application filed No'vemberi'?, 1925. Serial No. 71,795.

This invention relates to improvements inv friction elements, including relativelymovable friction posts having interengaging friction surfaces.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the character indicated, including a pair of relatively movable follower casings having interior friction surfaces, friction shoes cooperating with the casings, friction elements having wedging engagement with the shoes and a friction post movable with each casing, having friction surfaces cooperating` with the friction elements, wherein the posts overlap and hav-e frictional engagement with eachother and the cooperating` friction surfaces of the posts and shoes are inclined to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism to produce a differential action.

Other advantages will more fully appear from the description and claims hereinafter following.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a horizontal, lon gitudinal, sectional view of a portion of a railway draftrigging, showing my improve ments in connection therewith..V Figures 2 and 3 are vertical, transverse, sectional views corresponding', respectively, to the lines 2-2 and .ffl-3 of Figure 1. And Figures 4 and 5 are detailed perspective views of a friction shoe and a wedge block employed in connectionwith my improved shock absorbing mechanism.

ln said drawings, -10 indicate the usual channel-shaped center or draft sills of a railway car underframe, to the inner faces of which are secured front stop lugs 11-11 and rear stop lugs 12-12- The inner end of the draw-bar is designated by 13. to which is `operatively connected a hooded yolie 141, of lwell-known form. The shock absorbing mechanism proper, more fully hereinafter described, is disposed within the yoke, the yoke in turn being support-ed by a detachable saddle plate 15 secured to the draft sills. y

The improved shock absorbing mechanism proper, as shown, comprises, broadly, front and rear friction shells A-A; two friction shoes B-Bg a pair of wedge blocksC-C; a second pair of wedge blocks D D; two friction posts E-Eg front and rear sets of twin arranged spring resistance elements F-F and F-F; and a pair of retainer bolts GG.

The front and rear friction shells A are of similar design, each being in the form of a substantially rectangular box-like casting having horizontally disposed, longitudinally extending top and bottom walls 16-1G, vertically disposed, longitudinally extending spaced side Walls 17e-17 and a transverse end wall 18. The end walls 18` of the front and rear friction shells cooperate with the corresponding stop lugs on the draft sills in the mannerV of the usual main followers. The side walls 17 are provided with opposed interior friction surfaces 19-19 at the inner n endA thereof. Between the friction surfaces 19 and the end walls 18, the side walls 17 of the shells are cut away, as most clearly shown in Figure 1. The end wall 18 of each shell is cut away or recessed centrally on the inner side thereof to provide a seat Q0 for the corresponding friction post E. The friction surfaces 19 of each shell are preferably disposed in parallel relation.

The 'friction wedge shoes B, which are two in number, are disposed at opposite sides of the mechanism. Each shoe has a flat outer friction surface 119 adapted to cooperate with the friction surfaces 19-19 of the front and rear friction shells A at the same side of the mechanism. On the inner side, each shoe B has `a pair of wedge faces 25.. ant 23. The wedge face 22 of each shoe Vis disposed at relatively blunt releasing angle with reference to the longitudiiml axis ofthe mechanism, while the face 23 is disposed' at relatively true wedge acting angle with reference `to said axis. The shoes B at the opposite sides of the mechanism ae reversely arranged so that the keen wedge face of one shoe and the blunt wedge face of the other shoe are disposed at the same end of the mechanism.

The friction posts E, which are two in (Btl f pointed out.

surface 24 of each post being-parallel'to'the longitudinal aXis of the mechanism and the friction surface 25 being slightly `inclined with reference to said axis, As most clearly shown in Figure 1, `the ,posts E associated with the front and rear friction shells, respectively, overlap to aiconsidcrable extent and the friction surfaces 24 thereof interengage. post is of such a length as to permit afull compression stroke of thelmechanism. The outer ,frictionv surfaces '25 ofthe two posts, which, as hereinbefore described, are inclined with reference to `the longitudinal axis of the meelianisnnam 4preferably disposed in parallel relation. As shown -in Figure l, the friction surface 25of the post E associated with thefront frictionshell A, is inclined forwardly,*while the corre spending surface -ofthe'post E associate-fl with the rear friction shell A., is inclined rearwardlyiof the-mechanism. At the outer end, each post is provided with a pair of laterally projecting flanges 26e-'26 adaiited to be accommodated within the seat of the corresponding friction shell -A. The

' flanges `26 are of such a thickness that their inner faces vlie flush with the inner surface of the correspondingl end wall of tflieicasing A. As most clearly shown in Figure 2, tlie longitudinal friction surfaces of the posts aregcentrally cut away `to accommodate they inner sides of the twin arranged spring rcsistance elements F. y

The friction wedge blocks, which are four inxnn ;i.ber,"comprisetwo pairs C-C and D-D. the same being arranged in front and rear sets, nach con'iprising one block C and one blocl: D. of the same design, except as hereinafter Each wedge block has a fiat transverse end face 27 forming an abutment for the outer end of the corresponding spring resistance element F.V Each wedge block also has a flat, longitudinally disposed, inner friction surface 125 adapted to cooperate with the 'friction surface-25 of one of the posts E, and an outer wedge face adaptedto cooperate with one of the wedge faces of the shoe Bv at the same side of the mechanism. The wedge faces of the blocks C are designated by 19.3, while the wedge faces of the blocks D are designated by 122. The wedge face 123 of each block 'C is correspondingly inclined to and adapted to cooperate with the heen wedge face 23 of one of the slices B and the wedge face 122 i each blocl; D is correspondingly inclined to and adapted to cooperate with the bluntV wedge face 22 of the corresponding slice l. Upon reference to Figure l, it will be seen that the wedgeblocls C and D at the one side of the mechanism, cooperate with the front friction postE while the wedge bloclrs C and D at the opposite side of the mecla- -rear sets ofrtwin arranged springs.

.spending friction -shell and the The friction :surface 24 of feach All of the blocks C and D are nism cooperate' with the rear friction post E.

The spring resistance elements F, which are four in number, compiiise front and llach end therethe corre- .inner end unit of the twin set has the outer of bearing on the end wall of bears on the flange 2o at the corresponding side of the friction post E associated with,

the friction shell to hold the friction pou.; seated and assure its return to normal position with the friction shell during release of the mechanism.

The mechanism is held-of overall uniform length and in assembled relation by a pair of retainer bolts G. As most clearly shown in Figures l, 2 and 3, the retainer bolts; are disposed in horizontal alignment onopposite sides of the mechanism and have ltheir front and rear ends anchored, respectively, in hollow bosses on the `end walls i8 of fthe front and rear friction shells. The shan'l of `the bolts are accommodated within longitudinally extending, aligned openings in the wedge blocks C and D and the friction shoe B at the same side `of `the inechanism. The retaiiier bolts in addition to holding the parts assembled, also serve to maintain the mechanism under a predetermined initial compression. Con'ipensation for wear of the various friction and wedgeV faces is had by the eX- pansive action of the springl resistance'elements F, which, as hereinbefore pointed out, are under initial compression when the mechanism is assembled. To permit the necessary relative movement to compensate for wear of the various friction and wedge faces, clearance is left between the inner ends of the wet Oe blocks C and D.

The `operation of my improved shock al sorbing mechanism is as follows, assuming the compression stroke: The front and rear friction shells will be moved relatively toward each other, compressing the springs F and forcing the wedge blocks inwardly tos ward each other longitudinally of the mecharnism thereb f set-tino un a wedegino' action between the keen angle wedge blocks C and the friction shoes B, and forcing the wedge blocks and friction shoes against the posts and the friction surfaces of the shells, respectively. During the continued relative movement of the front and rear friction shells A, the same will be moved relatively to the friction shoes and the friction posts Fi will be moved relatively to each other longitudinally of the mechanism. Friction will thus be created between the friction posts in addition to the friction created between the wedge friction shoes and the friction shells. Due to the inclination of the friction surfaces 25 of the posts E, the wedge blocks C and D at each side of the mechanism will be forcedlaterally outwardly during relative approach of the posts and friction shells, thereby effecting a 4differential action. Due to this `differential action, the friction wedge system, including the wedge blocks C and D, will be elongated longitudinally of the mechanism, thereby effecting further compression of the spring resistance elements F. The described action will continue 'either until the actuating force is reduced or the inner ends of the shells come into abutment, whereupon the pressure will be transmitted directly through the shells, which act as coli umn load transmitting means to transmit the force to the corresponding stop lugs of the draft sills. llilhen the actuating force is reduced, the spring resistance elements F will restore the friction shells A to normal posi tionand also center the friction wedge system with reference to the posts. Inasinuch as the coils of the spring resistance elements bear on the flanges of the friction posts, the

latter will be carried outwardly with the shells during release. As will be evident, the shells will be slightly expanded during the con'ipression of the mechanism, thereby setting up forces therein tending to contract the same when the actuating pressure is reduced. Due to the relatively blunt cooperating faces on the wedge blocks Dand the friction shoes B, the wedge blocks will be squeezed out from between the shoes during the contraction of the shells, thereby relieving the pressure on the cooperating keen wedge faces of the wedge blocks and shoes, `greatly facilitating the `releasing operation.

lt will also be evident that the blunt wedge' faces will act as safety valves to prevent undue strain being putL on the friction shells, and will also accommodate the differential action due tothe inclination of the friction surfaces of the friction posts E.

Although I have herein` shown and describedtlie wedge blocks and friction shoes of my improved mechanism, as provided with blunt and keen wedgefaces, it will be evident that it is within the scope of my invention to dispose all of the wedge faces at the saine angle with reference to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism.

Although l have herein shown and described what l now consider the preferred manner `of carrying out my invention, the saine is merely illustrative and I contemplate all changes and modifications that come `the scope ofthe claimsappended hereto. y

l claim:

l. ln a friction 4shock absorbing mechanism,v the combination `with front and rear follower '-usin, .;s having interior friction siirfaces, said casingsbeing relatively movable toward and away from each other; of a friction post movable with each follower casing, said posts having inter-engaging friction surfaces; a plurality of friction elements cooperating with said posts; a plurality of laty eral, wedge pressure creating members engaging said friction elements, each of said members having frictional Contact with friction surfaces of both the front and rear casings; and spring resistance means interposed between eacli follower and the friction elements.

2. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear follower members relatively movable toward and away from each other; of a friction post movable with each follower, said posts having inter-engaging friction surfaces, `said posts alsohaving additional friction surfaces inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism; friction means, including a plurality of friction elements cooperating with each post and means for wedging `the said elements againstsaid posts; and spring resistance means cooperating with the elements of each post. f

l3. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear follower shells having interior, longitudinally disposed friction surfaces, said shells beingl relatively movable toward and away from each other; of a friction post movable with eachshelh'said posts having cooperating friction surfaces disposed longitudinally ofthe mechanism; a plurality of frictioiielements having` frictional contact with each post; a plurality of friction shoes having wedging engagement with the friction elements, each shoe cooperating with friction surfaces of both shells; and spring resistance ymeans opposing relative movement of said elements and` shells.

4. In ay friction shock absorbing mecha- `nism, the combination with front and rear `follower shells having interior friction sur faces, said shells` being relatively movable .toward and away from yeach other; of a friction post movable with each shell, said posts `having cooperating` friction surfaces on the Vinner sides thereof and each post having posed `between said elements and said shells;

and a plurality of friction slices, each slice having wedging engagement with one of the frictionelements ofsaidfront set and one Vof the friction elements of said rear se each of said shoes also liaviiigfrictional engagement with thefront and rear follower shells.` y

5. ln a friction shock absorbing mecha-k nism, the combination with front and rear relatively movable follower shells; of a fric- Jil lilo

elements; and means for yieldinglyy resistfriction ele-ments.

' wedge faces, certain ofsaid sets of faces betion post movable fwithe'achfollowercshell;

a setof front and rear frictionelem'ents cooperating with eachpost; a plurality offriction shoes, said slices and followerishells having cooperating friction surfaces, .and each vof ,said shoes Ahaving wedgin'gengagement with one ofthe saidy sets of `friction inv relative movement of said shells: ,and

6. fInf4 a friction shock absorbingy mechanism, the combination withfront and-rear relatively movable followers; ofjapostmov able with each follower gsets offrontiand rear friction elements engaging each; post;

inwardly 'acting lateral wedge pressure 'creating ineaiifrcooperating with said front and rear friction elements; and :means for yieldinv'ly resisting relative movement of said folowers and friction elements.

7. vIn i a friction shocliV abso`rbiiigniech anism, the combination with front andrear relatively movable follower shells; A'of a friction post iiiovable'with each shell; aset of front and rear friction elements cooperating with each post; a. plurality of ,friction shoes, said shoes and*follower shells having-cooperating friction surfaces aud said lslices and elements having` sets of cooperating ing disposed at a relatively keen wedge acting angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism and the remainder of said co-operating feetsbeingf disposed at a relatively blunt releasing angle with respect to said axis; and means for yieldingly resisting relative movementofsaid follower shells and friction elements.

8. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism', the combination with front and rear relatively :movable shells;` having-interior, longitudinally disposed friction surfaces; of front and rear spring resistanceelements; a friction post movable with each shell, said posts havinr inter-engaging, longitudinally disposed' friction surfaces; r and' 'friction means at opposite sides-lof `the mechanism cooperating with said shellsand posts,- friction means at one side of the mechanism friction-ally engaging one ofisaid posts andualso frictionally engaging both follower shells, and the friction means at the Vother side of the vm chanism frictionally engagingA the other post and also frictioiially engaging both lfollower' vshells, said friction meansbeing interposed between said frontand rear spring resistanceeleinents, each means including a plurality of friction elements having cooperating wedge faces.l t

9. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear, relatively movable shells having longitudinallydispofsed interior friction surfaces; of front andrear friction posts relatively movable toward each other upon `relative movelment offsaid shells, said posts -havinginter- `engaging friction surfaces; a plurality of 4friction elements, certain of said elements nhaving friction surfaces cooperating` with 4friction surfaces of .-bothcsliells, and. having wedging engagement with the remaining elements, saidflast namedeleinents comprising twosets, each setmcluding front-and rear members cooperating with vone of the friction posts; andyielding means for resisting relative: movement of saidelements and shells.

10. In a friction. shock absorbing mechanism, the-combination with front Vand reai followers having Y. longitudinally disposed friction surfaces, said' followers being relatively movable towardand away from each fothergizof fron'tand rear friction elements movable'l with saidV followers, said. elements fliaving cil-operating. friction surfaces; a .friction systen'n cooperating with saidv ele- .nients, said system' including a pair of friction slices and two sets of front and rear friction members, each set having wedging engagement with one of the slices, each set -oft friction ir'ieinbers co-operating with one of said frictioir elements; and springmeans interposedbetween each follower and the friction system. *y y 'lll In afriction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear follower shells, each shell having a pair of opposed;v longitudinally extending friction surfaces, said shells being movable toward Vand awayy froineach other; of a pair of friction shoes disposed at opposite `sides of the -mechanismLeach shoe havin@ a friction surface cooperating with Ithe frictionl surfaces of both shells at the same side o f the mechanism, each shoe also having front and rear 'wedge faces; front andy rear friction posts,

-saidgposts having longitudinally disposed, Vco-opeiating frictioirsurfaces, said postsbeing movable respectively ith said follower shells; a pair of wedge friction members cooperating with each post, said members being disposed at the same side of said post, saidwedge friction members of each post having wedgingengagement with the slice at the same side of the mechanism; and

springl means foi-opposing relative movement of said wedge friction members and posts andalso opposing relative movement of said follower shells.

In witness that I claim `the foregoing I havehereunto subscribed my name this th day of November, 1925.

JOHN F.'OCONNOR. 

